How Do You Calculate Electrical Resistance in Complex Geometric Shapes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating electrical resistance in a circular geometry, specifically a hollow cylinder with given inner and outer radii and thickness. Participants explore the necessary variables and concepts involved in the calculation, including resistivity and the method of summing circular shells.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about finding the resistance of a circular shape with specified dimensions.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on whether the shape is a hollow cylinder and emphasizes the need for resistivity to calculate resistance.
  • A participant confirms the shape is a hollow cylinder and reiterates the focus on electrical resistance.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the importance of resistivity and the cross-sectional area in determining resistance.
  • One participant suggests that to find the total resistance, an infinite number of circular shells may need to be considered.
  • A participant questions whether the inquiry is related to schoolwork and expresses concern over the vagueness of the geometry presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of resistivity and the cross-sectional area for calculating resistance. However, there is disagreement regarding the clarity of the problem and whether it is appropriate for the forum.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details about the resistivity of the material and the complete problem context, which may affect the calculation of resistance.

nrhk
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How would I find the resistance of said circle

Outer Radius 4a
Inner Radius a

Thickness .15 mm
 
Last edited:
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Are you talking about a hollow cylinder? Are you talking about electrical resistance? If so, don't you need to know the resistivity of the material as well?
 
Last edited:
Just in terms of variables, yea I guess you could call it a hollow cylinder

I am talking about electrical resistance.
 
What cepheid is trying to tell you is that you need to know the resistivity of the material. Using that information, and the cross-sectional area of your material that is perpendicular to the direction of current flow, will tell you the resistance.

Zz.
 
I'm solving the problem in terms of variables

I have a circular resistor made out of conducting paper that has inner radius a and outer radius 4a.

I'm pretty sure I have to add an infinite number of circular shells together to get the total resistance of the object.
 
Is this a school work? If it is, it belongs in another forum, and you are usually required to give the full problem first, not your interpretation of the problem. People who are willing to help you with this usually like to see the WHOLE thing first, rather than being given bits and pieces of the problem.

If it isn't, then your geometry is vague.

Zz.
 

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